Return to Love
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
The Bible significantly addresses matters related to the end times.
Jesus Himself teaches about what will happen in the last days.
And yet, there are many views, opinions, and beliefs when it comes to the “Doctrine of Eschatology (theology of last things).
However, there is a very good, logical reason why God wants us to know these things: He wants us to be ready.
Series Introduction
It is appropriate then for a pastor to preach from time to time what the Bible reveals about the end times—to serve as a powerful motivator—calling the church to be ready.
So today, we will begin with a NEW series of messages that encourage all of us to BE READY—be be spiritually prepared for the coming of Christ.
I invite you to the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John was exiled on the Island of Patmos—and supernaturally Jesus gave Him a series of visions.
These visions where written down and given to seven churches (and the Church in general). These seven churches were located in present day western Turkey. (see Revelation 1:11).
The purpose of this Book is to instruct and encourage believers to remain faithful to the truth of Jesus Christ. In other words, it is a call to be ready.
The seven churches were under intense persecution. Christians were viewed with hostility from the leaders and influencers in their respective communities. Many were becoming discouraged and losing heart.
So, Jesus gives John a message—a message to help the church refocus on the fact hope exists—and this hope rests firmly in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This message was not just for the churches in Asia Minor—but it is for the church today! It is for you today!
This series centers on the Words of Jesus to seven specific churches—churches that were located the in cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
These churches are churches that actually existed at one time—but they serve as a representation of all churches that have existed in these last two-thousand years.
We begin with the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7).
Text
1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
The church of Ephesus
Perhaps no church in history had as rich a heritage as the one in Ephesus.
The wife and husband team of Priscilla and Aquila first introduced the Gospel in that city (Acts 18:18-19).
Soon they were joined by the powerful preacher Apollos (Acts 18:24-26).
Together, the three laid the groundwork for Paul’s ministry—which primarily took place for three years (Acts 20:31), during his third missionary journey.
Later one, Paul’s protege, Timothy served as pastor of the church (1 Timothy 1:3). Onesiphorus and Tychicus, tow more of Paul’s fellow laborers, also served in Ephesus.
Finally, according to the testimony of the early church, the apostle John spent the last decades of his life at Ephesus, from which he likely wrote his three epistles in which he is called the “elder.” He was likely leading the Ephesian church when he was arrested and exiled to Patmos.
Four decades later the apostle Paul was gone, as were many of the first generation of believers converted under his ministry. A new situation called for another inspired letter to the Ephesians—one pinned by the apostle John.
Transition
1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Explanation
The figurative language of Revelation can be intimidating. But for this verse of introduction to the church in Ephesus, we are given an answer.
20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
The words of him: Jesus
The seven stars (angels):
Actual angels assigned to the churches.
A prevailing “spirit” of the church (the spiritual center).
A person (such as the pastor or elder) of the church.
The seven lampstands: seven churches. The image of a lampstand that shows the light of Christ.
Purpose: The image is that of Jesus holding the leaders in His and and walking among the churches—it is a position of authority and supremacy.
Point 1
We are called to...
Demonstratively Believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.
Demonstratively Believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.
I have heard several times (from history and from current expressions) from people who say: “I love your Jesus but hate your church.” It sounds cute and worldly—but it is an insult to heaven.
It is like going to a wedding and telling the groom that you hate his bride. It is rude and makes no sense.
Believing that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church has several critical connotations:
Jesus is the chief superintendent, shepherd, authority over the church (not the pastor, not the board, and not its members).
Since Jesus is over the church, the church should be respected and reverenced. The church is holy unto the Lord.
Since Jesus is over the church, the congregation should recognize that the church has a calling—a purpose that is sacred (to proclaim in word and deed the saving message of Jesus Christ).
Transition
In light of the truth of Jesus’ headship and the church’s purpose, we are then introduced the an important, life-changing principle.
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
Explanation
Jesus Christ knows what goes on among His people.
He selects three things (there deeds, their hard work, and their perseverance) for commendation.
Furthermore, Jesus recognized their zeal against tolerating wicked people.
Twice we see the phrase “I know.”
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
We are called to...
Soberly Acknowledge that God Knows Everything About You.
Soberly Acknowledge that God Knows Everything About You.
God knows it all. Not only does He know our actions, He knows our secrets and the attitude of our hearts.
He knows those things that are to be commended—but also He knows those things that can be destructive and can harm His cause in our lives.
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
We might think it such a small thing in comparison to all the good that this church had accomplished.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Without love, all that we do becomes meaningless.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Early in the Ephesus church, there love was commended.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
But somehow and in someway the church drifted from its mornings—and lost something significant in the process.
If God did not point this out—and if they chose not to grasp the full meaning of this declaration, the church was in danger—OF REMOVAL OF ITS PLACE TO REPRESENT JESUS AND HIS MINISTRY. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place! (vs 5).
The Ephesian church could not afford to ignore God’s warning.
Point 3
We are called to...
Carefully Listen to the Rebuke of the Lord.
Carefully Listen to the Rebuke of the Lord.
We cannot afford to dismiss the Lord’s admonishments.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.
Learn to listen to the voice of God (through His Word, through prayer, through the Gifts of the Spirit.
Listening to God is an act of worship—of respect—and of an acknowledgment of His authority in your life and the life of the church.
Through the act of genuine listening, we are ready to embrace correcting and alter our course.
Point 4
As a result, we are called to...
Diligently Follow God’s Remedy to Spiritual Reconciliation and Restoration.
Diligently Follow God’s Remedy to Spiritual Reconciliation and Restoration.
Remember: Examine where you were (right relationship) to where you are (wrong relationship), and the chasm in between.Conclusion
Repent:
Admit responsibility.
Deliberately and fully change direction (attitude and action).
Accept the consequences of wrong behavior.
Embrace humility and guard your heart against pride.
Conclusion
Just like the church in Ephesus, we to need to return to love—everything we do needs to be rooted in love.
Wrap-up: How do we move from where we are to where God wants us to be...
Believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church.
Acknowledge that God knows everything about you.
listen to the rebuke of the Lord.
Follow God’s remedy to spiritual reconciliation and restoration.
Response
Jesus loves you and knows everything about you.
Are you willing to trust in Him?
Jesus wants you to live a life that experiences His peace and purpose.
Prayer, Repent, Remember, and live!
Questions for Individual Reflection and Group Discussion
What purpose do you think exists on why a Christian should know about end-time things of God’s Word?
God knows everything about you. Everything! How do you think that may affect a way a person lives their life?
Why is love so important to what the church stands for and what it does?
According to the Bible, what are the ways to restore one’s relationship with God?